Deadly Spells

Deadly Spells (2015) Jaye Wells

This is (possibly) the conclusion to the Prospero’s War series. There are other places the story could go from here, but the major story arc–with Kate coming to terms with her past and how she is going to let it affect and influence her present–is concluded.

The MEA is called in for an ugly murder in the cauldron, and not only does Kate know who the victim is, but the officer in charge of the scene is playing political games with jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, at home Kate has to deal with a teenager who, although she is letting him learn clean magic, is still a teenager.

One of the things I especially like is that Kate takes her guardianship of Danny very seriously, even having Baba move in with her so there is someone at home when she has to work late.

“All my cases are important, but not as important as Danny.”

And she doesn’t just say that, her actions reflect that, which makes things difficult at her job, but is also precisely what single parents have to do. I thought it was a realistic touch that one doesn’t often see in fantasy (or even mysteries).

I also found Kate’s date especially interesting.

“I just meant it’s extremely attractive when a woman can take care of herself.”

Harsh words sprang to my lips at the implied insult in his comment. Every woman I knew took care of herself just fine.

We also had mention of an item from an earlier book, “a truth serum that caused severe pain if we lied.” That seems like how a truth serum would actually work, rather than the fancy forcing the truth kind of things, and almost seems like something doable, assuming there are biochemical reactions when a person lies.

Interesting anyway.

It wasn’t clear if this was the conclusion to the series, but it certainly ended in a good place and a lot of resolution. If there are other books, I hope they’re more like murder mysteries, where there’s something new to investigate each book, which is a favorite form of mine anyway.
Rating: 7/10

Published by Orbit

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